Most Beaaautiful- El Gecko

Santorini, MOOOOOST BEEEEAAAAUTIFUL! (Happy Halloween!!!!)

we left off:
We had a wonderful night sleep to a delicious buffet breakfast! Sweet!! (We sure do love saving a few bucks!)

After breakfast, we hopped on a bus to Oia. The beautiful picturesque tip of the island (where all the classic photos seem to be snapped). So, we did just that. The sun was shinning, and the temperature was perfect as we romped through Oia. We did some shopping (as if that needs to be said)....and then headed back to our neck of the woods.

We spent some time poolside enjoying a few beverages and then enjoyed a much deserved holiday nap!! After our resticus (greek for rest..lol) we marched hand-in-hand back to Fira town (singing all the way). We partook in the local cuisine of a Gyro and a falafel (scrumptious)- both smothered in fresh tatziki- we were in heaven!

More shopping, and hiking around Fira. More photos taken and another great sunset to watch. We decided to hit up the local Grocer-ish (as chris would say), and got some food for dinner to be enjoyed back at our palace. Bread, cheese, soup, tatziki and a rather large bottle of amaretto and we were ready to settle in for the night.

Dinner down the hatch, we played cards, spied on the neighbours, sang some songs, danced a little and did each others make-up (those photos are priceless..) We seriously contemplated keeping our makeup on last night- simply for the enjoyment of the locals (in the spirit of halloween)...but ultimately thought better of it- the staff may not have appreciated the decorated pillowcases.

After an alcohol induced deep slumber we woke up for round 2 of the buffet breakfast! We have discovered a new love- the local home made yogurt! Soooooo frickin' delicious (especially with honey drizzled on top!)

Today the weather was a little cloudy, overcasty and quite ominious (it tried to rain a few times, but managed- for the most part- to hold off). But we decided that today we would do a walkabout! We booted up, and dressed warm, and took to the cliffs. Along the caldera we found a beautiful path. We made friends with many of the stray dogs and cats that crossed our way...We made it to the small town of Imerovigli to find it completely abandoned. It was a total ghost town. We were hoping to re-fuel and perhaps enjoy a recommended restaurant- but to no avail. So we treked on empty handed. Comforted by a little friend we called 'champion'. (Barb, sing it with us "HOW ABOUT CHAMPION...?? CHAMPION HE'S ANYTHING BUT...") Champion followed us for quite some time and sat with us while we shared an iced tea (that we managed to steal from a local- as everything was closed..) We walked a little farther up the dusty trail before deciding to turn back.

Beautiful walk back down to fira town and the sun decided to come out! We did another round of shopping (i think we've cleaned out santorini!) So, we enjoyed a cappuccino (after sampling the local wine- we made a friend with the chappy at the shoppy). Delicious wine.

Planning on a nice dinner out tonight, we decided that we could not resist another round of the falafel and gyro.

Tragically, after lunch, we headed back to El Greco, to organize our packs. All zipped up and ready to head back to the airport in the morning. (our bags are ready, that doesnt mean that we are though..)

Barb, did you ever find out what your neighbours were doing?!?! Perhaps they were simply trimming the christmas tree?! Or, building a small indoor FORT?! OR, best one yet, installing a swimming pool (you will soon know if this is true when you have drops of chlorinated water saturating your bed!)

Love and OUZO,
M&L

WHAT WE'VE LEARNED ON THIS TRIP (A RETROSPECTICUS):

1)We know we are getting old when we find we have much in common with 70 year old sisters. (But ultimately realize we are better off when one of them almost breaks a hip).

2)One can NEVER get enough Gelato or Cappuccino. There is always room for more! (and we can add nutella to that list too..)

3)It is important (when hoping to avoid an embarassing situation), to clarify if you "like it hot".

4)We are EXPERTS at singing OPERA (in any language...) and yes, we accept tips.

5)On the same note as #3- always ask the lady selling water 'if she has gas'!?

6)One can NEVER take in enough sunsets. It will never get old.

7)American Travellers always PROVE to have something stupid to add to a conversation. (*who, HONESTLY, hasnt heard of toronto?)

8)The dream is free!!

9)Sometimes the best memories are made when you're high on cheep drugs (SUGAR!)

10)Always look UP, and keep your eyes open- cause you never know what may be around the next corner.